SEVENTEEN overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who were arrested in Qatar for participating in an unauthorized demonstration have been granted provisional release, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) announced Thursday.
The OFWs, who had been detained for expressing support for former president Rodrigo Duterte, were allowed to return to their homes in Qatar, according to DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac. This corrects an earlier report stating that only 16 OFWs were arrested.
The release, however, does not mean the end of the legal proceedings. The OFWs remain under investigation and are prohibited from leaving Qatar until the investigation is complete.
Secretary Cacdac expressed gratitude to the Qatari government for the provisional release, stating, “We’re very, very thankful to the Qatari government for allowing the provisional release of the 17 as the investigation proceeds.”
The release of the OFWs occurred in two batches on the morning of April 4. Twelve male workers were released first, followed approximately an hour and a half later by five female workers. Three minors who were also arrested were released earlier, on Monday. No charges have yet been filed against any of the OFWs.
Despite the lack of formal charges, the DMW has assured that the government will continue to provide comprehensive legal assistance to the OFWs.
This support includes the services of the Philippine labor attaché in Doha, as well as a retained Qatari lawyer. The DMW’s commitment to supporting the OFWs throughout the investigation underscores the Philippine government’s dedication to protecting its citizens abroad.
The situation remains under close monitoring by the DMW and the Philippine Embassy in Qatar.
